Politics & Government

Brookhaven Town Readies for Same-Sex Marriage

Clerk's office has received more than 45 calls pertaining to new state law.

Since it was announced last week that New York State legalized same-sex marriage, the Brookhaven Town Clerk’s Office has received more than 45 calls inquiring about the process.

Town Clerk Patricia Eddington said Brookhaven is in the process of changing the paperwork forms, which reflects “bride and groom” right now.

“Whatever change we have to make that would be appropriate for marriages for everybody we will,” she said. “The state is helping out in that respect. We’re still waiting to see what we get from the governor’s office.”

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The law becomes official on July 24 and Eddington said Brookhaven can start marrying people July 25.

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“A marriage is a marriage and we’ll proceed as we normally do,” she said.

Eddington said she recalls fighting vigorously for same-sex marriage with her former colleagues in the New York State Legislature prior to becoming Town Clerk.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I feel all people should be treated equally. It’s a wonderful feeling I will be able to marry the people who have been discriminated against all these years. I’m looking forward to proceeding with marriages.”

Brookhaven has one same-sex marriage booked for August, but Eddington could not mention what hamlet or village the couple resides.

“I’m thrilled to be able to be part of this historic moment,” she said. “I’m looking forward to July 24.”

There is a $40 filing fee for a license in Brookhaven. To see the Town of Brookhaven's full requirement list for marriage licenses, click here.


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